The skin of the hands needs additional moisturizing, nutrition and care more than other areas of the body or face. It is constantly exposed to external aggressive factors, quickly becomes rough, covered with wrinkles and cracks. Paraffin therapy for hands will help correct the current situation. A unique procedure involves applying hot or cold cosmetic paraffin to problem areas in order to heal, rejuvenate and improve the condition of the skin.
The principle of action of paraffin and its types
Paraffin hand masks are made using special, purified cosmetic paraffin, which has little in common with the material from which candles are made. Its main difference from industrial analogues is the high degree of purification from impurities and aggressive dyes. But it contains a lot of useful additional substances, vitamins, microelements, plant extracts or essential oils.
Classification of paraffin for skin care can be carried out in two directions:
- Temperature of the composition (classic hot or cold).
- Type of base (oil, honey, vegetable and others).
The appropriate product should be selected taking into account indications and contraindications. Thus, cold paraffin has almost no restrictions on its use, but provides less pronounced results. As for the choice of foundation, there are a great many options; for allergy sufferers, a mixture with peach oil is recommended, for enhanced hydration - with vitamin E, for rejuvenation - with shea butter, and so on.
The principle of operation of all types of paraffin is approximately the same; it consists in saturating the skin with nutrients and vitamins under the influence of a thermal effect.
Paraffin therapy for feet
- melt 2 packets of cosmetic paraffin (up to 55 degrees);
- exfoliate or scrub your feet;
- apply a thick layer of nourishing cream;
- dip feet 6-7 times into warm melted substance at 5 second intervals;
- put plastic bags and socks on them (you can use a towel or blanket instead of socks);
- in 40 minutes remove the mask;
- Apply nourishing cream to your feet.
The procedure helps get rid of cracks and rough skin on the feet
Repeat paraffin therapy for your feet at home for 2 weeks. It will help get rid of cracks and rough skin on the feet, which is a common problem for all people.
Foot scrub:
- three tablespoons ground coffee;
- one tablespoon l. sea salt;
- one tea l. cinnamon;
- two and a half tablespoons. olive oil.
You may be interested in: Coffee Scrub
Contraindications
Before carrying out the procedure, it is necessary not only to select the appropriate type and grade of paraffin, but also to clarify the presence of contraindications to its use. Paraffin therapy for hands has many limitations, including:
- High blood pressure.
- Cardiac pathologies.
- Liver dysfunction and cirrhosis.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Violation of skin integrity.
- Inflammatory processes.
- Acute stage of chronic diseases.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Hypertrichosis.
- Diabetes.
- Individual intolerance to the components of the composition used.
- Phlebeurysm.
Cold paraffin hand baths are usually easier to tolerate and have fewer contraindications. So, after consultation with a specialist, they can be performed for high blood pressure, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus and a number of other pathologies that prohibit the use of hot masses.
Features of application - how to do it correctly
What is this paraffin therapy procedure? This is the application of a substance to the skin of the face in order to moisturize and rejuvenate it. The procedure can be done in a salon where cosmetic paraffin is actively used, or independently at home. You will need an assistant, but this could very well be your mother, sister or friend.
First of all, you should melt the paraffin, which is in a solid state. You can use any container for this. The melting point of the substance is 50°C.
The main rule for a successful procedure is that the face must be clean. To do this, you need to wash yourself well, or even better, cleanse your skin using a scrub. This will remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation. Under no circumstances should water-alcohol solutions be used for this, as this can cause a burn. After cleansing, special cosmetics for paraffin therapy are applied, with which you can achieve a more pronounced result. These products, under the influence of the greenhouse effect created by paraffin, easily penetrate even into the deep layers of the epidermis, moisturize and nourish it.
You may need electric gloves for paraffin therapy, which are described here.
On video how to do paraffin therapy:
When using paraffin therapy, how to do the procedures at home so as not to get burned? First you need to check the temperature of the molten paraffin so as not to cause a burn to the epidermis. In this case, it is not enough to drop liquid on your hand - the resulting sensations cannot be taken as a basis. It is better to make the first smear on the forehead, where the skin is denser, and only after that apply paraffin to the entire face.
How to do paraffin therapy? Under no circumstances should the product come into contact with your eyes, so cover them with cotton pads. In this regard, it is necessary for someone else to apply the product, and not you yourself, as this will be very inconvenient.
After applying 1 layer of paraffin, a piece of gauze with slits in front of the eyes is laid out on top of it. You need to apply several more even layers of molten product on top. The duration of the procedure is about 15-20 minutes, until the liquid paraffin hardens. If all layers are applied correctly, the mask can be easily removed along with the napkin. After this, the face is lubricated with a cream suitable for your skin type.
A positive result is visible after the first procedure. The skin becomes soft, fresh, smooth, tightened, and fine wrinkles are smoothed out. Here is more information on how to do paraffin therapy at home.
New paraffin should be used each time, since this substance has a unique ability to absorb small impurities and toxins. Repeated application of it will not only not give a positive result, but may also worsen the condition of the epidermis.
Also find out what body mesotherapy is.
Preparation for the procedure
To carry out manipulations at home, it is necessary to prepare in advance an impressive list of auxiliary things. It is represented by the following positions:
- Paraffin (cold or hot).
- Steam bath heater or accessories (for hot use only).
- Cellophane gloves, thermal gloves (or mittens made of dense, warm material).
- Brush (required for using hot paraffin).
- Scrub (used to pre-clean the skin).
- Moisturizing cream (for the final stage).
Paraffin therapy at home
This procedure is very popular in salons, but there you will have to pay a considerable amount for it.
The question is brewing... Why overpay significantly when you can easily do everything at home yourself, if you are not lazy and do not waste money? That's right - there is no need, so we decided to tell you in detail how to do paraffin therapy at home and what is required for this. The first step in the procedure, be it for the hands, face or feet, is to purchase purified paraffin. You can buy it at any pharmacy. The cost ranges from 80 to 130 rubles per 250 g. There are varieties with the addition of essential oils, which will also give an aromatherapy effect.
Procedure execution algorithm
Paraffin therapy for hands at home is no different from the treatment carried out in a beauty salon; it is recommended to perform it in the same sequence of actions:
- Preparation of paraffin . The composition is heated in a special device, and if it is not available, in a water bath. The latter option, although considered more budget-friendly, requires more time, in addition, it is necessary to ensure that water does not get into the paraffin.
- Primary treatment of hand skin . It is carried out using a scrub and involves removing dead cells that interfere with the enhanced absorption of beneficial particles from the applied mass.
- Paraffin mask. The cold composition has the consistency of a very thick cream and is applied to the skin with a brush; the hot composition, after heating, resembles liquid sour cream; it can also be applied with a brush or simply immerse your hands in it. The mask is fixed using cellophane gloves (or film), over which another pair of thicker gloves is put on, creating a thermal effect. Exposure time is up to 20 minutes, then the remaining paraffin is removed.
- The final stage. Application of nutritional compositions (creams) to the skin for the purpose of additional moisturizing.
Paraffin therapy for face
For “magic manipulations” on the face you will need:
- a bath or container in which the paraffin will be melted;
- brush with artificial bristles;
- cling film;
- towel.
You can buy purified paraffin at any pharmacy.
Stages of paraffin therapy for the face at home:
- Melt one packet of the product in a water bath or in a special bath. Wait until its temperature becomes tolerable for you so as not to get burned.
- Cleanse your skin with a scrub.
- Apply a thick layer of nourishing cream or oil (you will find recipes for scrubs and oils that you can make yourself in our article).
- Using a brush, distribute the paraffin along the massage lines in 5-7 layers.
- Cover with cling film after making a hole for the nose.
- Place a towel on top.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the mask from bottom to top.
- Apply a skin care product according to your skin type.
To get the effect, repeat the procedure every day or every other day for 12-15 days.
Facial scrub recipe:
- oatmeal – 1 tablespoon;
- 1⁄2 part apple;
- honey – 1 tbsp.
Mix all ingredients, apply with massage movements and rinse after a few minutes.
Oil recipe:
- sea buckthorn oil – 1 teaspoon
- jojoba oil – 0.5 teaspoon
- aevit – 2 capsules
For effect, repeat the procedure every day or every other day for 12-15 days
This product actively nourishes and normalizes the condition of the upper layers of the skin, stimulates collagen production. Apply with gentle movements along massage lines.
Paraffin therapy for hands - cold method
There is no need to heat up the cold product, because it is a real cream, only with a paraffin base. It contains lanolin, wax, other beneficial substances, as well as essential oils. It has a dense structure, which quickly softens from the warmth of the skin of the hands.
In terms of effectiveness, the cold method is no worse than its hot counterpart, even much more convenient and simpler. What paraffin cream can do:
- Gives the skin firmness and elasticity.
- Thanks to natural components, it strengthens the structure of nails and eliminates their fragility.
- Moisturizes, softens, smoothes out small wrinkles and prevents them from forming again.
- Softens the cuticle, removes hangnails.
- Resists the formation of calluses.
- Relieves joint pain. Heals small wounds.
Cold masks should be done 1-2 times a week. To maintain the effect obtained, it is advisable to use moisturizing creams between sessions.
Stages of cold paraffin therapy:
- Cleansing and degreasing the skin with toner
- Deep cleansing and exfoliation of the skin with a scrub with peach oil
- Intensive care – cream with collagen
- Paraffin mask - applying paraffin cream in a thick layer under a film and a towel (or mittens)
After 15-20 minutes of drying, remove the remaining paraffin cream with a napkin. Result: beautiful well-groomed hands.
Reviews confirm the effect of this manipulation. The skin of the hands and feet becomes amazingly velvety and soft. Even after washing dishes, your hands retain soft, elastic skin for a long time.
See also on the blog : Home care for hands and nails
Contraindications to the procedure
Like all medicinal and cosmetic procedures, paraffin therapy has some contraindications. These most often include the following diseases and human health conditions:
- any inflammation in the acute stage of its development;
- atherosclerotic phenomena with a pronounced course;
- coronary heart diseases of various etiologies;
- angina pectoris, due to which the patient was assigned the second functional class of the disease;
- chronic kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis;
- liver damage in the form of cirrhosis;
- pregnancy of a woman after 6 months;
- period of lactation and breastfeeding;
- multiple presence of warts or moles on the body, etc.
Contraindications to paraffin therapy are due to the fact that the procedure can cause an unexpected reaction or deterioration in a person’s health. That is why it is very important, before carrying out the manipulation, to conduct a thorough diagnosis to exclude any conditions that may affect the consequences of paraffin exposure on a person. Also, if you have any chronic disease, it is best to consult your doctor. If the specialist gives permission for the procedure, there is no need to worry about possible side effects.
Paraffin therapy for hands and face is a unique technology that can help a person cope with many health problems, as well as improve his appearance. If you do not use it constantly, then at least once you should feel the pleasant sensations that this substance can give.
Features of cosmetic paraffin
Cosmetic paraffin is a high-class product, and during its production, thorough cleaning is carried out to remove dyes and various impurities. In addition to the paraffin itself, the composition of the cosmetic product may include various trace elements and minerals. The base of cosmetic paraffin can also be different - vegetable, honey, fruit, etc. Depending on this, the effect of the funds is determined. This is due to the beneficial substances that are found in each of the extracts and the body’s individual reaction to them.
Depending on the specific procedure, the amount of product used will depend. Thus, paraffin therapy for hands will require no more than two hundred grams of product, which is approximately the same for paraffin therapy for the face. If the substance is to be distributed over no larger area of the human body, an increase in its volume will be required for a one-time procedure. Its thickness should not be reduced, as this may affect the effectiveness of its implementation.
The type of paraffin is also important. If a person is allergic, then he needs to choose a peach-based product. Paraffin with tea rose extract is well suited for therapeutic procedures for hands and feet. In some cases, it is recommended to make only a small contact of the body with the substance before carrying out the procedure in order to find out whether any consequences of this will occur on the skin.
Paraffin therapy for hands should be carried out every day or every other day. They are quite short in duration, taking only thirty to sixty minutes. Most often, the course of treatment consists of two dozen procedures, although sometimes it can be reduced to twelve. After exposure to paraffin on the skin, a person must rest for at least 40 minutes. If a second course of therapy is required, it can be carried out 1-2 months after the last one.
